Occupational Therapy for Autistic Children
Every autistic child is different. Some children find busy, noisy places overwhelming; others seek out movement and touch. Some are working on getting dressed or using the toilet independently; others want to join in at the playground or keep up with writing at school. Occupational therapy looks at the everyday activities that matter to your child and your family, and works out what will make them easier.
We start from your child’s strengths and interests, and we work with you — and, where helpful, with teachers and other therapists — so that strategies carry over into home, preschool, school and the community.
How occupational therapy can help
- Understanding your child’s sensory preferences and building strategies for home, school and outings
- Daily routines such as dressing, toileting, washing, grooming and mealtimes
- Play skills and joining in with other children
- Fine motor skills for drawing, cutting, handwriting and self-care
- Gross motor skills, balance and coordination for playground games and sport
- Managing transitions, such as starting preschool or moving into a new classroom
- Reports for NDIS access, plan reviews and progress reporting
What sessions look like
We begin with an assessment and a conversation with you about what your child enjoys, what they find hard and what you would most like to change. Together we set goals that are meaningful for your family — for example, getting ready for school with less stress, or trying a new playground.
Sessions are play-based and paced for your child. They can happen at home, at preschool or school, or via telehealth, and we give you practical ideas to use between sessions. If your child has other therapists, such as a speech pathologist or psychologist, we are happy to work alongside them.
Our experience
Our director, Luke, has primarily worked with children who have a range of complex diagnoses, most frequently autism and cerebral palsy, and has experience communicating with children who use communication devices. Sienna works with children and adolescents with autism, ADHD, developmental coordination disorder and learning disabilities, and believes therapy works best when it is engaging and tailored to each child’s strengths. Claudia has supported children and adolescents with autism, ADHD and sensory processing difficulties, and uses a child-centred approach to make therapy positive, engaging and meaningful.
Services that can help
Therapy is always tailored to your child, but these are the services families most often use.
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Assessment
A clear picture of your child’s strengths and the areas where they need support, as the starting point for therapy or for NDIS planning.
Learn more -
ADL Specific Training
Independence in the routines of daily life — dressing, toileting, washing, grooming, mealtimes and preparing food.
Learn more -
Fine Motor Skills Development
Building the small, precise hand movements children need for dressing, eating, cutting, drawing and classroom tasks.
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NDIS Report Writing
Clear, evidence-based reports for NDIS access, plan reviews and progress reporting, written by the therapist who knows your child.
Learn more
Autism: your questions
Does my child need an autism diagnosis to see an occupational therapist?
No. We can assess and support your child whether or not they have a diagnosis, and no referral is needed to book with us. A diagnosis may be needed for some funding, such as NDIS access.
Can occupational therapy for autism be funded through the NDIS?
Yes, where occupational therapy supports the goals in your child’s NDIS plan. We currently work with NDIS participants who are self-managed or plan-managed, and charge at the rate set by the NDIS Pricing Arrangements.
Can you work with my child’s school or preschool?
Yes. With your consent we can visit your child at preschool or school, share strategies with their educators and liaise with the other professionals who support your child.
Ready to get started?
Tell us a little about your child and what you’d like help with, and we’ll be in touch to talk through the next steps.